What's Expected of Me?
Before you receive specific details of when and where our events run, you must confirm in writing, Facebook messenger, text message and/or email that our guidance of the groups which is listed below makes sense to you. This includes as and when they are updated (normally once a year). We also have to follow the COVID regulations (also listed below) All guidance has been approved by an independent peer advocacy group.
BANDs (Bath Autism and NeuroDiversity spectrums) CIC Guidance (as of January 2026)
All attendees to BANDs are expected to follow the following guidance so they can attend.
Have or consider themselves to have autism, Asperger syndrome and/or similar neurodiversities, including (but not limited to) AD(H)D, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, social anxiety, dyscalculia, OCD, social phobia, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, EUPD, functional neurological disorder, Tourette's syndrome and schizophrenia. People may attend regardless of diagnosis, provided the facilitators and members feel safe around them. If the facilitators feel that members also feel unsafe around you, then your membership of BANDs would require having a parent or carer or support worker attending with you so you could continue attending the groups. This is so everyone has the opportunity to experience a relaxed atmosphere at BANDs. We are not a relationship agency. Do not join if your sole intention is to find a partner or to date other members. Please note we are a friendship group.
The groups (board gaming, café, pub, quiz night, cinema, theatre, skittles, ten pin bowling, Karaoke, Xmas events) organised by BANDs are open to anyone over the age of 16. Please keep swearing to a minimum when 16-18 year olds are in attendance. If you wish to bring a child with you, please note they remain your responsibility at all times until they are aged 18. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
BANDs is against all forms of discrimination (and bullying or teasing), including (but not limited to) homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, sexism, misogyny, misandry and racism. Derogatory comparisons with other disabilities, identities or level of disability will not be tolerated. Anyone who repeatedly displays any of these behaviours will be temporarily or permanently removed from the group (including the Facebook group).
If you know of someone who is interested in BANDs, ask them to contact Alfie on bathfiltonbands@gmail.com or 07905345591 (please leave a message or text during the day if you cannot get hold of Alfie). The times, dates and locations will only be given out by Alfie to keep the group safe and prevent more than three new members arriving at each separate group, minimising unexpected events and keeps the group as relaxed and safe a space as possible.
Please supply a mobile numbers so that BANDs can keep in contact with you. This can be after your 1st meeting if you prefer. WhatsApp, Text and email reminders are normally sent out a few days before the groups meet. If you wish to receive these and you avoid repetitive texting (or instant messaging), please let 'Alfie', (the Lead facilitator), know. You will need to add Alfie as a contact in WhatsApp to receive messages from the Broadcast list. It would greatly help Alfie with planning our activities if you let him know the morning of the group meeting (at the latest) regarding whether you can attend that days group (or not). Alfie will contact those that indicate 'maybe' on the day of the group to ask again. On the rare occasions where less than three members indicate they are attending, groups cannot run that day. When this happens you will be informed of this change via text message.
GDPR and retention of data After three months of no contact from yourself, Alfie will send a WhatsApp and text message to ask if you still wish to receive reminders. This is required by law under GDPR regarding retention of data "for necessary purposes". Please reply before the deadline on the message. BANDs will let you know when your number has been deleted. Please note you can restart the reminders by replying to the message using the specific phrase in the message. You can also cancel or pause reminders at any time for the BANDs groups, please let us know you are doing this and for how long.
BANDs CIC members are valuable to our community, if there is something about our groups that we can improve on, please let us know. We will try within our capacity of our groups to change where possible. Please note most of our volunteer staff are also neurodivergent. Longer standing members have the same rights within BANDs as someone who has just joined, provided feedback is kindly made in line with our group guidance. If we cannot help we can signpost you to other relevant services where appropriate.
BANDs CIC hosts (in addition to their regular events) a Festive Meal in Bristol, this is under their subcontract with the Diverse UK CIO. It is highly recommend you order and pay in advance to take part in this event. If the venue requires this then your Christmas meal order must be placed and paid for by the deadline relevant to that December group(s). This can be done in person, via bank transfer or PayPal to bathfiltonbands@gmail.com . These are non refundable unless the venue refunds you for another reason. Paying in advance will minimise the chances of an unexpected event of your meal not being available on the day. You are welcome to attend and decide on the night but menu choices are likely to be limited. Please use “your name and initials” as a reference when sending money via bank transfer eg “AlfiePG” so BANDs CIC knows you have paid. Our Christmas meal venues are normally decided at the October groups (when venues tend to issue their menus).
A facilitator will only step in to resolve a situation if someone asks for their help or the situation appears one sided and/or upsetting or distressing to other people (including the general public where relevant). This may require members to bring a parent, carer or support worker with them to future groups which the facilitators will decide. Your membership of BANDs CIC would then require to bring a parent or carer or support worker to continue attending the groups (until further notice). This is so everyone has the opportunity to experience a relaxed and supportive atmosphere whilst attending groups organised by BANDs CIC.
PS. This guidance applies whether Alfie (or another facilitator appointed by Alfie) is running the groups. This guidance also applies when you're meeting up with member(s) outside of the groups; or posting on social media. We also have a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page which can help give you an idea of what you can expect from your membership at BANDs CIC.
BANDs CIC Covid-19 Regulations (Updated October 2024)
If you have Covid-19 (whether you have symptoms or not), do not attend any BAND's in person events for the next 5 days, then make sure you get a negative Covid test.
If you have been in close contact (around 1.5 meters) with anyone whose suspected of having Covid then do not attend any in person BANDs events for the next 5 days, then make sure you get Covid tested, if this test is negative you are welcome to attend BANDs.
If you have been in close contact (around 1.5 meters) with anyone who has Covid-19 then do not attend any in person BANDs events for the next 5 days, then make sure you get Covid tested, if this test is negative you are welcome to attend BANDs.
If you need to tell anyone that you've had close contact (around 1.5 meters) due to any of the above situations, do so only via phone call, text message, email or messenger (unless you live with them).
If you find out after being at a BANDs event that any of sections 1-4 apply to you then
tell Alfie immediately via bathfiltonbands@gmail.com or telephone or Facebook messenger or text message. Alfie has a list of who attends which events and will let BANDs members know without telling them your name as is required by law.
If you need any of these regulations explained at any time, then please email, text or Facebook messenger Alfie who will then get back to you as soon as is practical for him.
Alfie Green and his co facilitators have to oversee these regulations and will review the situation according the latest scientific research.
If Alfie (and or another facilitator appointed by Alfie) believes you are infected with Covid-19 (and or any of the criterion listed above apply), he will have no option but to send you home. He will get the venue staff to remove you from the building if necessary. You will still be liable for any money you have spent that night at that venue.
PS. These regulations also apply even if you meet up with any BANDs CIC members outside of the groups. We do this to help promote kindness within the wider communities.
For more details of what to expect from BANDs CIC please refer to our FAQ page on https://bands-cic.co.uk/faqs/